Stop us if you’ve heard this before: “Today, efficient, cost-effective and streamlined operations are more crucial than ever.”
You know that it’s true, but in a way, hasn’t it always been true? So, what does it mean to stand out in 2024 that’s different than what it meant to stand out in 2020 or 2015?
As it turns out, a lot. For one, you’d have been hard-pressed to find all-in-one self storage software for small businesses back in 2015. The tech has even come leaps and bounds from where it was in 2020.
Let’s get to the point. This article lays out the case for all-in-one self storage software and how it can help facilities thrive right now, in any market.
All-in-one simplicity + powerful capability
Until recently, there haven’t been cloud-based platforms that offer a full suite of self storage management features including internet listings, online leasing, accounting, facility management, electronic payments, maintenance tracking and tenant and owner portals — at least, not in one easy-to-use system. Let’s look at how centralizing these tasks is key to streamlining your workflows, improving the tenant experience and boosting revenue.
Integrated marketing tools
Help operators manage internet listings, fill vacancies quickly with qualified tenants and track campaign performance. Prospects can easily find units that meet their unique needs by searching by location, size, price, amenity and type including climate-controlled, car, boat and RV storage.
Online leasing
Streamline the process for tenants to select storage units, complete the screening process, sign leases electronically and move in their belongings without physical paperwork or in-person meetings. This not only saves time but also broadens the reach to potential customers who prefer digital transactions.
Online payments
Enable tenants to pay their rent online, reducing the administrative burden of handling cash or checks and ensuring timely payments. Automated reminders and recurring payment options further enhance the convenience for both tenants and storage operators.
Tenant & owner portals
Provide a secure, centralized location for communication and management. Tenants can access their accounts, view payment history and submit maintenance requests. Owners can access financial reports, monitor property performance and monitor their portfolios in real time.
Self storage management
Organize everything you need to effectively manage your facilities. Tracking property, unit and tenant level data while managing maintenance, auctions, discounts, amenities, move-ins/move-outs, retail inventory and sales in one place makes facility management that much easier.
Built-in accounting
Ensure your AP, AR and GL functions are in order and your financial data is accurate and up to date. You can track property and corporate ledgers, maintain escrow and trust accounts, track job costs and generate financials at a click of a button.
Owner statements and reports
Quickly generate and customize reports for specific needs, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. Owners with multiple properties benefit from consolidated reports that provide a 360-degree overview of the portfolio.
Reap the benefits
Reduce costs
Consolidating all your self storage functions into one platform will eliminate the need for multiple software systems. This is a significant contributor to cost savings.
The self-storage sector faced higher marketing and property insurance expenses in the first quarter of 2024. Implementing all-in-one software can help offset these costs by reducing the need for multiple software subscriptions.
When street rates are in decline, owners and operators may need to operate their business without the promise of additional resources. In times like these, affordable all-in-one technology that consolidates processes and automates routine operations can be a business saver.
Work from anywhere, anytime
An all-in-one SaaS solution that requires only an internet connection and a smart device to operate means you can manage all your facilities when and where it works for you. All-in-one also saves time by eliminating the need for constant switching among different apps and systems.
Streamline & automate everything
Modern self storage software automates and streamlines many of the tasks that used to be done manually. These include marketing and leasing units, tracking unit types and amenities, managing discounts, collecting rent, paying vendors, maintaining facilities, overseeing auctions, tracking retail sales and centralizing communications with prospects, tenants and owners.
Staff will also benefit from a system that allows them to be more productive, letting them focus on more important tasks. Tenants benefit from a better customer experience from the start.
While the shift to online management has long been underway in the residential sector, there has been a more recent, notably post-pandemic, shift in self storage. There has been a rapid shift toward automation and centralization due to the positive impacts on time and money saved.
Keep secure, accurate, real-time data
Another benefit of all-in-one software is real-time data on everything from occupancy rates, open AR and AP, maintenance project status, tenant behavior and financial performance, enabling owners and operators to make informed decisions quickly. By working with reputable cloud providers and software with advanced security permissions, data is kept safe and accessible only to those who should have access.
Enhance the customer experience
Features such as online account management, online payments, automated reminders and 24/7 access to information improve tenant satisfaction and retention rates.
Conclusion: all-in-one increases revenue potential
If nothing else, you need to know that the tech you invest in and take time to learn is going to pay off. A robust all-in-one platform helps your business maximize its operational efficiency and revenue potential with the following:
- Dynamic pricing: Implementing dynamic pricing based on real-time analysis helps optimize rental rates and increase revenue.
- Efficient resource allocation: Centralized management of multiple facilities keeps resources such as staff and equipment allocated where they are most needed, reducing downtime and improving service quality.
- Scalable operations: As businesses grow, self storage software allows for seamless integration of new locations and services without more overhead.
- Competitive edge: By adopting all-in-one self storage software, businesses can stay ahead of the curve in a competitive landscape.
The best self storage software offers a robust all-in-one solution for businesses looking to cut costs, save time and streamline routine tasks that are prone to human error. In doing so, savvy storage operators position themselves for success in 2024 and beyond.
The integration of industry data and advanced features lets operators navigate potential setbacks and challenges with ease, helping them emerge bigger and more profitable than ever.
